Interview with Kenji Nakamura, the owner of Bukkake udon
I spoke with Kenji Nakamura, the owner of Bukkake udon, about the intriguing origin of the unique shop name, the background of opening the shop, its features, commitments, and future aspirations.
Is the origin of the shop name related to Yukio Aoshima?!
The shop name "Bukkake udon" is unique and impactful, but what is its origin?
Nakamura
Before opening the shop, I watched the old movies "The Bold One" and "The Bold One Continues."
There is a line in the theme song "The Bold One" that deeply impressed me.
“I have no brains, no money, but I'm always happy”
These lyrics were written by the late Yukio Aoshima.
I thought of using a word that encapsulates the essence of that impactful line as the shop name.
The protagonist of "The Bold One" works hard but often faces tough situations.
However, each time, he switches his mindset and makes a comeback.
I thought that the state of mind at that time was "Bukkake udon."
So, I chose "Bukkake udon" as the shop name.
For that reason, I have an old poster of "The Bold One Continues" displayed in the shop.
I acquired it through an online auction.
I want to spread the deliciousness of "hashiniku," a family taste of the Nakamura family
What is the background of opening the shop?
Nakamura
After graduating from school, I have been helping at the meat shop (Maruyasu Co., Ltd.) that my parents started.
Around the beginning of the Heisei era, the meat shop opened a new establishment called Nakamura's Delicious Food Workshop.
At that time, I developed a unique product using "hashiniku" (the lesser-known cuts of meat) based on my idea.
These include "Neji-kuremon" made from neck and "Mo-kappa" made from kappa.
These meats can only be obtained in small quantities from one animal and are not widely available in the market.
If used, they are typically for minced meat or meat processing.
However, in my family, they were regularly served as ingredients for home cooking.
They were like the meals we had for staff meals.
But even though they are lesser-known cuts, they are very delicious meats.
Moreover, the meats handled at Nakamura's Delicious Food Workshop are primarily high-quality domestic products, making them even tastier.
Since they are cheap and delicious, I wanted more people to know about them, so I decided to turn them into new products.
From that time, I started to dream of having my own restaurant.
What sparked your interest in the restaurant business?
Nakamura
I have always been good at cooking since I used to make meals at home.
Also, I thought there was a need to challenge new business formats when considering the future of the meat shop.
As mentioned earlier, Nakamura's Delicious Food Workshop develops products using hashiniku.
I thought it would be interesting to have a restaurant that serves unique dishes made from hashiniku.
Moreover, there happened to be land owned by the Nakamura family along the main road, so I thought of utilizing it to open a shop.
However, I operate the meat shop with my siblings and nephew.
Since I couldn't open a restaurant based solely on my ideas, I decided to establish it as a sister store independently.
Breaking the fixed concepts of the meat industry and differentiating
Why are you committed to using lesser-known cuts of meat in your menu?
Nakamura
In meat shops and yakiniku restaurants, cuts like kappa and neji are either not used or, if they are, they are considered only for minced meat.
Many people think, "There's no way to commercialize them."
Additionally, some people who know a bit about meat mistakenly believe they are things that should be thrown away...
However, I thought that this is where the opportunity lies.
Since few people pay attention to them due to common sense and fixed ideas.
But in my family, we enjoyed eating kappa and neji deliciously.
They are meats that can be deliciously eaten depending on how they are cooked.
So, I thought, “If no one is doing it, then I will!”
This will create a uniqueness that only "Bukkake udon" has.
“Bukkake udon” is something I realized by acting on my own will for the first time
What do you feel about challenging the restaurant business after becoming independent from the family meat shop?
Nakamura
I have been in the family meat shop for over 30 years.
Including the time I helped as a child, it has been even longer.
Since it was a family business, I have always worked with the mindset of "I should do this" or "I should do it this way."
However, "Bukkake udon" is a shop I started because I wanted to.
This is the first time I acted solely on my own will and established it.
This has become a great source of confidence for me, and I feel a sense of fulfillment.
In the future, I want to win an award with "sunekajiri"
What challenges or goals do you have for the future?
Nakamura
There is an organization called the "Japan Karaage Association," which holds a competition called the Karaage Grand Prix®.
It is divided into categories, and I want to enter our "sunekajiri" and aim for the grand prize.
Even just entering is quite challenging, but it is one of my goals as I operate the shop.
Conclusion
Kappa, neji, and pig's shin.
These may be unfamiliar and unseen cuts of meat.
However, they all had a deliciousness that is addictive.
Since these meats are not commonly sold, you can only taste them at "Bukkake udon."
That alone makes it worth visiting.
Takeout is also available, which is convenient.
Additionally, the impactful shop name has a deep meaning.
Kenji Nakamura has worked in the family meat shop for over 30 years.
Please enjoy the original meat delicacies that represent Nakamura's meat life!
Data on Bukkake udon
| Name | Bukkake udon |
|---|---|
| Address | 6914 Hori-nan, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-4076-0161 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Monday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation | Possible Reservations can be made by phone |
| Seating | 11 seats ・Counter: 3 seats ・4-person tables: 2 tables In addition, there are outdoor seats (4-person table: 1 table) |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Bukkake udon [Official] Directly operated by a butcher! A shop for meat delicacies in Kurashiki City |
